Cole Palmer was a keen spectator during Chelsea's win vs Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca has clarified Jorrel Hato jumping on Cole Palmer in the aftermath of the win over Liverpool did not aggravate an existing injury for the latter.

Palmer has been ruled out for a further six weeks with a groin injury that has plagued him since August when he limped out of the warm-up prior to the win over West Ham United. The 23-year-old returned a few weeks later at Brentford but just a week later, he hobbled off the pitch at Old Trafford.

The England international has been unavailable ever since. There was hope, however, Palmer would return after the recently-concluded international break, but during Friday's press conference, Maresca ruled his star attacker out for another six weeks.

"Unfortunately he needs to be out probably for six more weeks," the Chelsea head coach explained. "We just try to protect Cole as much as we can and the most important thing is that."

Six weeks from now means Palmer would be back for the late-November period, with Chelsea taking on Barcelona and...